The 23-year-old made just two starts, both in the Capital One Cup, before suffering an injury in October and Chelsea are now ready to exercise a clause in the loan deal to recall Atsu because of concerns over his lack of match action.

Chelsea may then look to send Atsu out on loan again in January and sources have told ESPN FC that several Premier League and Bundesliga sides are monitoring the situation and would be ready to make a move should he become available.